Bubble Strategy (2): Single Table SNGs

By now you should have a general idea on what the bubble phase is and how you should approach it in general. In this lesson and the ones that will follow, you will learn how bubble dynamics differ between particular types of SNG tournaments.

This lesson focuses on single table tournaments (STTs). Two common structures will be considered – the 6-man SNG with a 65/35 payout structure, and the 9-man SNG with a 50/30/20 payout structure. The numbers represent the percentage of the prize pool allocated to each place respectively.

The bubble phase in a 6-man SNG

When it begins

By definition, as pointed out in the previous lesson, the bubble phase in a 6-man SNG with only the top two spots paid begins with 4 players left. Seventy per cent of the prize pool is allocated on the exact bubble, as two players secure at least a 35% payout. This means it is by far the most important part of the tournament. Therefore, the considerations in this lesson are limited to the bubble and it is assumed that there are always three players competing for the two paid spots.

Typical risk premium

Take a look at the following example of how stacks might look like at this stage:

Next steps

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